Chapter 5: The Talk...
In the eerie forest, a blend of buzzing insects, yelping frogs, shrieking birds, and monster cries echoed throughout the air, where a team of caravans slowly moved forward, their feet and wheels pressing the moist earth, leaving a trail behind.
At this time, Orion, who followed the caravan guards, stared at the four silver luna in his hand, the fruit of killing a group of goblins, according to Wardy's explanation.
Even though the goblins were weak monsters, they were still one of the most sought-after ingredients on the market, especially their balls, eyes, hearts, and brains, as they could be crafted into some kind of medicine for health and entertainment purposes.
The ingredient's price ranges from six to fifteen copper coins, depending on the current quality.
And due to how dangerous the forest was, only a few brave souls dared to venture into its depths.
For a normal person, the risk was immense, as goblins were far from the only threats lurking within—there were creatures far more dangerous. Moreover, one had to consider carefully before venturing beyond the vicinity of the Greenguard Veil.
If a normal person really ventures inside thinking of easy money, then it would be no different from delivering themselves into the jaws of the monster since even the 'hunters' need sufficient preparation, caution, and strength to hunt and survive.
In the world of Renero, killing monsters was the easiest way to make money and the most dangerous profession that caused death.
Sometimes, nature itself tests human greed, revealing its limits and consequences with unwavering clarity!
Orion contemplated for a bit before stowing the silver luna in his pouch, increasing his total asset to 50,560 copper Luna.
With that said, he strides forward, wanting to communicate with Captain Angus, who is in a good mood because of the additional income. "Cap... Captain." he stuttered.
Angus, with all smiles and positivity, glanced at him. "Hmm? Kid, control your emotions. You must remember to never show your weakness, or else you'll be looked down on and preyed upon by others."
Orion seriously nodded as he threw the things he saw and experienced to the back of his head.
"Good." Angus nodded, observing him take his word seriously. "Take a deep breath and calm your mind. Mr. Dave told me that you aspire to become a hunter. If you are truly determined to become one, then remember to always remain calm, both physically and emotionally."
Angus paused his words as he observed the road ahead. "Hunters are beasts themselves. The only consolation is their calmness within."
Just as he said such phrase, Angus grits his teeth with an unsightly expression, yet he remains calm inside while remembering something of the past.
Orion could tell since his late father also showed a wry smile while reminiscing.
"Captain," Orion mumbled.
"Kid, why do you aspire to be a hunter?"
Hearing this, Orion fell silent for a second. "Captain, since I was young, I always see my father come home injured, some village guards dead, families crying, and most importantly, the roar of monsters echoing in the air, especially during the blood moon, as if it's the end of the world."
"I understand the dangers within; my father had seriously explained the pain, sacrifice, and unpredictability of becoming a hunter, but knowing how dangerous the world is, how can I sit still and wait for others to save me? I'd rather bet my life and hold my fate in my own hands rather than rely on someone."
"Captain, you understand how I feel, don't you? The strength to protect oneself, to protect the people you care about, and the strength to hold your fate to decide your own end."
Sometimes it was better to decide one's own end rather than being toyed with or dictated by others in their script and entertainment... You decide the pain and suffering. At least death would be much better than an ending cycle.
"Hunters may have their cons, but they also have their pros. That is why I'm willing to take a bet."
Orion's voice was soft, yet it conveyed his heartfelt thoughts about hunters. In the tense atmosphere of the eerie forest where everyone was on edge, his resolute tone and aspiration resonated clearly, lingering in their ears and echoing deep within their minds.
One could say that the young man they just acquainted with was right. The words he conveyed were the truth, as it was better to have their own strength to fight for their survival and decide their own end.
In the world of Renero, goblins are not the only playful monsters lurking in the forest because deep in the wilderness there are more powerful monsters with different tastes and personalities... Sometimes humans are their means of entertainment.
Not only monsters, but humans themselves have their strangeness and taste, especially those with power.
Angus gazed deep into Orion's red eyes, opening his mouth and closing it, falling into a deep contemplation that lasted for a minute.
Sighing
"I understand, but Kid, being a hunter is no joke profession, as death always follows us, be it fighting monsters, being one's self, or even just advancing to a higher realm.
All I can advise and hope to say is that before stepping onto this path, give a first and second thought again, heal all your injuries, and always remember to be in control/calm.
Do you understand?"
This time Orion could feel Angus's serious yet caring words, "Captain, I understand."
The two discuss a new topic about hunters when Angus perceives his old brother's expression, knowing some had regrets and were afraid, especially when tackling the hunter topic.
Ending the conversation, Angus informed Orion about the hunter guild, where he could learn more about hunters—particularly the secrets his late father and himself could not share casually due to Hunter's oath.
"Kid, remember these words and put them to heart.
Hunters are wolves in sheep's clothing; we are beasts that hunt, and we are who we are."
"Captain, what does it mean?"
Orion furrowed his brows, not understanding some of the words.
"You will understand its true meaning once you live the life of a hunter. For now, focus on deciding which blood animal you wish to integrate within yourself. Mr. Dave has a selection of five rare and 25 common ten-milliliter blood animals... You can purchase them from him."
"Orion, as the captain said, I'm willing to help you. I can give you a discount, hehe." Dave laughed.
"Thank you." Orion smiled innocently before looking at Angus again with curiosity. "Then, captain, can I ask what kind of animal did you integrate first?"
Wardy chimes in, placing his left hand on Orion's shoulder, as he looks at his old brother Angus with amusement. "I can answer that."
"You!" Angus's middle-aged face slightly turns red.
"Relax, you'll answer it anyway." Wardy waved his other hand before taking a sip of water from his water skin.
"The first blood Angus integrated was his late dog name, 'Sweety.' He even vowed with a serious tone that even if his dog died of old age, their bond would be forever in heart and mind, accompanying and protecting each other."
"Wardy, you Bastard..." Angus cursed, losing a bit of his dignity as a senior hunter in front of Orion.
Hahaha!
The whole caravan laughed while continuing on their journey. This time the atmosphere became serene as they did not encounter other monsters except the previous goblins.
After eight hours of continued journey, they finally emerged from the dark forest and entered the vicinity of the crimson city, where more visible Greenguard Veil plants could be seen wrapping into some huge trees.
Sniffing the fresh air in the vicinity, Dave also smiled, knowing that they escaped 80% of the danger... God knows how many times he prayed for safety.
In another half an hour, Orion finally caught the crimson city's gray walls.
A wall with a towering height of six meters, they were formed by stone bricks and surrounded the entire crimson city.
"Hahaha, we arrive at last."
"Let's go in. It would be troublesome if the gate closed." One of the warriors added, eager to rest and brag about his adventure.
Unlike typical villages and towns, cities enforced stricter rules at nightfall to prevent anomalies, such as the human skin monster, from sneaking in.
As they reached the city gate, they were fortunate enough to only encounter a few people in line; like them, they were also travelers, like merchants and guards.
The brave men who trek the dangerous road...